Jason Leach
The New York Giants have been one of the most active teams in free agency as they’ve made significant additions to the roster. On paper, they’re much better than the team that finished 4-13 in 2025.
Head coach John Harbaugh, general manager Joe Schoen, and senior vice president of football operations Dawn Aponte deserve credit for addressing several key needs and how they maneuvered the salary cap. The franchise is moving in a different direction under this new regime, and we’re beginning to see what the team will look like in 2026.
Here are five things we’ve learned so far about the Giants during free agency.
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Building a Running Game To Wear Out Opponents
New York had the fifth-best rushing game in the league last year, averaging 129.1 yards per game. Both Tyrone Tracy Jr and Cam Skattebo averaged over four yards per carry, and now they’ll have fullback Patrick Ricard paving the running lanes.
The addition of the 6-foot-3, 300-pound Ricard will give the ground game an intimidating presence that will wear out defenses. The Giants’ running game will be even more potent in 2026, and Tracy and Skattebo should have the most productive seasons of their young careers.
Special Teams Emphasis
Given his special teams background and knowing how New York’s special teams have struggled over the last few seasons, the 63-year-old head coach made an emphasis on upgrading this weakness.
He accomplished this by acquiring his punter from the Baltimore Ravens in Jordan Stout, who was a First-Team All-Pro in 2025. Then they signed former Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Myers to a one-year contract. They re-signed Giants special teams ace Art Green and kick returner Gunner Olszewski, and added former Miami Dolphins special teams ace Elijah Campbell.
In 2025, Big Blue lost seven one-possession games, and special teams played a role in some of those losses. With an improved kicking game, the team should convert more one-score games into wins instead of losses in 2026.
Sending a Message to Giants’ Veteran Receivers
Before the start of free agency, there were concerns over the New York Giants wide receiver core outside of Malik Nabers. Those concerns have lessened with the additions of Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin, but the front office and coaching staff have clearly sent a message to Darius Slayton and Jalin Hyatt with these two signings.
Slayton has been plagued by drops, and Hyatt has been a massive disappointment in his three years with the Giants, catching just 36 passes for 470 yards with zero touchdowns. Slayton could have a significantly reduced role with the arrival of Mooney, and Hyatt’s roster spot is in serious jeopardy.
Giants’ First-Round Selection Shrouded in Mystery
There’s a ton of intrigue about what the Giants will do with the fifth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. There’s been speculation that they’ll take Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, despite the fact that they’re solidified at the running back position.
Others feel the decision on who they’ll draft will come down to three Ohio State players: Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, or Carnell Tate. Many mock drafts have all three being taken within the first 10 picks, and all three could make an immediate impact as rookies.
Although New York has addressed all of the prospects’ respective positions this offseason, none of the signings would preclude them from using their first pick in the draft at one of these positions. As of right now, it would be surprising if New York didn’t draft Love or one of the former Buckeye players. But as of right now, none of them has emerged as the clear-cut favorite to be taken number five overall.
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John Harbaugh’s Reputation Stands Tall as Giants
When the Ravens parted ways with John Harbaugh after 18 seasons, there were reports that Harbaugh’s voice in the locker room was getting stale. Those rumors appear to be false as several of his players from Baltimore have followed him to New York.
Isaiah Likely, Patrick Ricard, Jordan Stout, and Ar’Darius Washington all followed their coach from Baltimore to New York because they believe in him. Others feel the same way, as New York currently has a projected win total of seven and a half, which is higher than it was a season ago.
With a Super Bowl-winning head coach now in charge and the upgrades they made throughout the roster, it’s clear the Giants are a franchise that’s on the rise.
